| We are gathered here today to celebrate the life of Dan Cardillo…. to pay tribute
to our good friend, teammate and fellow ski racer. We are also here to support Ken and
Lou, and Jonah and Christopher and to tell you how special Dan was to all of us… to
thank you for sharing him with us… and to let you know you have many friends at
Waterville to help you through this difficult time. Dan, your many friends from Waterville and Holderness are here today to say goodbye to
you…. a friend who loved skiing with a passion, who loved to compete, who skied on
the edge and who always skied to win. You were a ferocious competitor, but more
importantly, a gentle friend who was always gracious in victory and a true sportsman.
You were a friend and an inspiration to everyone who skied on the team at Waterville
and Holderness. You touched everyone in the program - full time and weekend skiers
alike... you showed us that that friendship knows no boundaries. Your huge smile, eternal
optimism and positive energy were contagious and we will miss that. Your incredible
training ethic and dedication to being the very best that you could be was an inspiration
to us all---you taught us well, and we will not forget these lessons.
Dan was never boastful about his ability, but he exuded the confidence that comes from
working hard and being at peace with himself. I witnessed a moment between Dan and Ken
right before the first run last Sunday at Cannon Mt. that says everything about Dan and
that moment will stay with me forever. After a brief word of encouragement from Ken
outside the base lodge, Dan picked up his skis from the rack, turned to his Dad with a
huge smile and said (as only Dan could do), "Don’t worry Dad, I think I am going
to win both runs today". Then he headed off for the lift in the pouring rain.
Last weekend, we shared the best of Dan Cardillo. With Ken and Lou looking on, Dan gave
us a clinic in ski racing under very difficult conditions. It is very appropriate and
fitting that Dan finished his racing career as a winner and a true champion. At the awards
ceremony last Sunday afternoon, everyone in the building was happy for Dan and proud to be
his friend… because Dan Cardillo made winners of us all. But even if Dan had never
won a single race, he would have left us as a champion because he lived his life to the
fullest and blessed us with his infectious smile and warm friendship. I think that the
number of his friends, teammates and coaches from Waterville and Holderness who are here
today is the best testimony to the legacy that Dan has left behind.
So… today Dan, begins The Final Run. We are here to pray for you and
say goodbye….not goodbye goodbye, but goodbye for now. As always, you have taken the
lead, so please…. wait for us at the finish line.
January 29, 1999
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
Portland, Maine
|